What is an SPF record?
An SPF(Sender Policy Framework) record is a DNS TXT entry that specifies which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of a domain. It helps prevent email spoofing, phishing, and unauthorized email use by verifying the sender’s IP address, implementing an SPF record improves email security, reduces spam risks, and enhances email deliverability by ensuring legitimate emails reach the inbox.
SPF record tags explained
An SPF record consists of multiple tags that define how email authentication is handled. Key tags include:
- V=spf1-Specifies SPF version.
- Ip4/ip6-lists authorized IP addresses
- Include- Authorizes third-party email services
- All-Defines policy(-all for strict enforcements, ~all for soft fail)
- Exists- checks if a domain exists before passing SPF
Why do you need to test your SPF record?
Testing your SPF record ensures it is correctly configured, preventing email delivery failures and authentication issues. A misconfigured SPF record can lead to emails being marked as spam or failing authentication checks, impacting deliverability. Regular testing helps detect errors like exceeding the 10 DNS lookup limit, incorrect IP addresses, or syntax issues. Validating your SPF record strengthens email security, prevents spoofing attacks and ensures seamless email communication
Common SPF Configuration Mistakes
Misconfiguration your SPF record can lead to email delivery issues and authentication failures. Common mistakes include:
- Exceeding the 10 DNS lookup limit, causing SPF failures
- Using multiple SPF records instead of a single, correctly formatted entry
- Incorrect syntax, such as missing spaces or misused mechanisms
- Not including third-party email providers, leading to failed authentication..
- Using +all which allows anyone to send emails on behalf of your domain, making it vulnerable to spoofing.
How to make sure your SPF records is valid?
Ensuring your SPF record is valid helps prevents email spoofing and authentication failures. Follow these steps:
- Use an SPF checker to verify syntax and detect errors.
- Keep DNS lookups within the 10-query limit to avoid SPF PermError
- Ensure only one SPF record exists per domain to prevent conflicts
- Include all authorized mail servers, and third-party email providers
- End with -all and ~all to define policy enforcement.
More Email Authentication Protocols to Explore
Beyond SPF, additional email authentication protocols, enhance security and prevent spoofing
- DKIM-Adds a cryptographic signature to verify email integrity
- DMARC- Enforces SPF and DKIM policies while providing reporting
- BIMI- Displays a brand’s logo in supported email clients for enhanced trust.
- MTA-STS-Secure email transport by enforcing encrypted connections.
Ready to prevent brand abuse, scams and gain full insight on your email channel?
